ROO’S BIG COMEBACK

CLARENCE’S Bomber destroyer Jake Cox is expected to play almost exclusively in the front half against Lauderdale at Lauderdale Oval today and that’s where Roos coach Jeromey Webberley says he is at his most dangerous.

Cox’s returns from a sevenweek lay-off for torn tendons in the fingers on his left hand just in time for the Eastern Shore grudge match.

The skilful left-footer almost single-handedly shot down the Bombers when they met at Blundstone Arena in round three, slamming a bestafield six goals. Cox brought the Bombers down at Lauderdale in another command performance in a previous encounter at Lauderdale, kicking four goals in 10 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Webberley said Cox is primed for the comeback.

“He got his cast off a week ago and he’s trained well this week,” Webberley said. “The tendons have healed really well. He will have a cover over it and it’s on his left hand and he actually handballs the ball with his right hand and kicks left foot so it’s not going to impact him at all.”

The Roos are second on the ladder, with North Launceston holding top spot, and the addition of Cox can only make them stronger.

“He gives us offensive power,” Webberley said.

“He’s one of the best players in the game and he’s probably our most damaging player.

“He’s done some running sessions over the course of his break but that’s not like match intensity so he will probably play up forward.”

Lauderdale is fifth on the ladder and two games clear of Hobart City Demons. Beating Clarence would make the Bombers difficult to usurp for a spot in the finals.

“These games between us are 50-50, especially going to Lauderdale,” Webberley said.

“They are extremely hard to beat down there. We’ve played some good footy there over the past couple of years. We won there in 2015 and the last game last year I think we had more scoring shots than them but didn’t put it on the scoreboard. We don’t go there with any fear but because of the rivalry the intensity of the game we think it’s a 50-50 game.”

Devonport takes on Burnie at Devonport today.